Difference between revisions of "Semi Mulber"
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|image=[http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/1516284045/in/pool-camerapedia/ http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2011/1516284045_9078e54983_m_d.jpg]<br>''Picture courtesy of [http://www.pacificrimcamera.com/ Pacific Rim Camera]. {{with permission}}'' | |image=[http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/1516284045/in/pool-camerapedia/ http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2011/1516284045_9078e54983_m_d.jpg]<br>''Picture courtesy of [http://www.pacificrimcamera.com/ Pacific Rim Camera]. {{with permission}}'' | ||
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| − | The '''Semi Mulber''' (セミマルバ) is a [[Japanese 4. | + | The '''Semi Mulber''' (セミマルバ) is a [[Japanese 4.5×6 folders|Japanese 4.5×6 folding camera]], distributed from 1939 by [[Kuwata|Kuwata Shōkai]].<REF> Date: {{Kokusan}}, p.341. </REF> Two very different models are known: the first is a copy of the [[Ikonta A]] made of pressed steel and having a folding optical finder, whereas the other has a different die-cast body with a reversed configuration and dual finders. It seems that at least the second model was made by [[Condor Camera|Motodori]].<REF> The camera is attributed to "Mulber Camera Co." or "Mulber Camera Works" in {{Sugiyama}}, items 1207–8 and {{McKeown}}, p.701, but these were probably dummy names, only used for advertising, and were certainly not the name of any actual company (see [[Camera Works]]). </REF> |
== Ikonta copy, folding finder == | == Ikonta copy, folding finder == | ||
=== Description === | === Description === | ||
| − | The '''first model'''<REF> This model is called "Mulber Semi (1939)" in McKeown, p. | + | The '''first model'''<REF> This model is called "Mulber Semi (1939)" in {{McKeown}}, p.701. </REF> has a body and folding struts copied on the 4.5×6 [[Ikonta]]. It is probably made of pressed steel. The folding optical finder is placed to the left as seen by a photographer holding the camera vertically. The advance key is on the opposite side of the body. The body release is placed to the left of the finder. Something is engraved on the folding struts, perhaps ''KKS''. |
=== Advertisements and actual examples === | === Advertisements and actual examples === | ||
| − | The first model was advertised in June 1939 in two versions:<REF> Advertisement published in ''[[Asahi Camera]],'' reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p. | + | The first model was advertised in June 1939 in two versions:<REF> Advertisement published in ''[[Asahi Camera]],'' reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.95. </REF> |
| − | * Lausar 75/4.5 lens, Mulber SR shutter (T, B, | + | * Lausar 75/4.5 lens, Mulber SR shutter (T, B, 1–300, self-timer), {{yen|85|1939}}; |
| − | * Mulber 75/4.5 lens, Mulber shutter (T, B, | + | * Mulber 75/4.5 lens, Mulber shutter (T, B, 1–300), {{yen|75|1939}}. |
| − | In a later advertisement dated September 1939,<REF> Advertisement published in ''[[Asahi Camera]],'' reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p. | + | In a later advertisement dated September 1939,<REF> Advertisement published in ''[[Asahi Camera]],'' reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.96. </REF> a cheaper version was added: |
| − | * Mulber 75/4.5 lens, [[Perfect]] shutter by [[Neumann & Heilemann]] (T, B, | + | * Mulber 75/4.5 lens, [[Perfect]] shutter by [[Neumann & Heilemann]] (T, B, 5–150), {{yen|65|1939}}. |
| − | The Semi Mulber was listed for | + | The Semi Mulber was listed for ¥74 in the official price list compiled in October 1940 and published in January 1941, but no detail was given.<REF> {{Kakaku0141_short}}, type 3, section 4A. </REF> In a similar list dated November 1941, two versions were mentioned, called "Semi Mulber" and "Semi Mulber II", both attributed to Kuwata.<REF> {{Kakaku1141_short}}, type 3, sections 4A and 7B. </REF> |
| − | Only one actual example of this model has been observed so far, pictured in {{Sugiyama}}. The lens is reported as a Mulber Anastigmat 75/4.5 and the shutter as a KKS giving T, B, | + | Only one actual example of this model has been observed so far, pictured in {{Sugiyama}}. The lens is reported as a Mulber Anastigmat 75/4.5 and the shutter as a KKS giving T, B, 5–200 speeds.<REF> {{Sugiyama}}, item 1208. The reported 1/500 top speed is contradicted by the picture. The same lens and shutter combination is reported in {{McKeown}}, p.701, obviously after {{Sugiyama}}. </REF> The name ''Mulber'' is embossed in the front leather whereas the advertising pictures show the embossing ''SEMI Mulber.'' |
== Reversed model, dual finders == | == Reversed model, dual finders == | ||
| Line 25: | Line 25: | ||
<br>''Picture courtesy of [http://www.pacificrimcamera.com/ Pacific Rim Camera]. {{with permission}}'' | <br>''Picture courtesy of [http://www.pacificrimcamera.com/ Pacific Rim Camera]. {{with permission}}'' | ||
</div> | </div> | ||
| − | The '''second model'''<REF> This model is called "Mulber Semi (1940)" in McKeown, p. | + | The '''second model'''<REF> This model is called "Mulber Semi (1940)" in {{McKeown}}, p.701. </REF> has a different die-cast body with different folding struts. The configuration is reversed, with a small housing placed to the right (as seen by a photographer holding the camera vertically) and containing a [[brilliant finder]] and a direct vision finder placed side by side. The exact same part has been observed on a [[Star Semi]] and on an [[Oko Semi]].<REF> Star Semi: example pictured in {{Sugiyama}}, item 1246. The same source says about the item 1207 that the Semi Mulber is a die-cast version of the Star Semi but the only common part visible is the dual-finder assembly. Oko Semi: example pictured in {{McKeown}}, p.746. </REF> The advance knob is on the left of the finder and the body release is on the right. The name ''Mulber'' is embossed in the front leather but the font differs from the previous embossing. There is an engraving in the folding struts, perhaps reading ''TK''. |
=== Documents and actual examples === | === Documents and actual examples === | ||
| − | No advertisement for this model has been observed so far. The government inquiry compiled in April 1943 mentions a Semi Mulber and a Semi Mulber II, made by [[Condor Camera|Motodori]] and distributed by [[Kuwata]]. These cameras are registered as made of alloy and they probably correspond to the second model with die-cast construction. Both versions have a Patent Mars shutter made by [[Mars]] and giving T, B, | + | No advertisement for this model has been observed so far. The government inquiry compiled in April 1943 mentions a Semi Mulber and a Semi Mulber II, made by [[Condor Camera|Motodori]] and distributed by [[Kuwata]]. These cameras are registered as made of alloy and they probably correspond to the second model with die-cast construction. Both versions have a Patent Mars shutter made by [[Mars]] and giving T, B, 1–250 speeds.<REF> {{Inquiry1943_short}}, shutter item 18-U-12. </REF> The Semi Mulber 75/3.5 has a Rifax 75/3.5 lens and the Semi Mulber II has a Mulber 75/3.5.<REF> {{Inquiry1943_short}}, lens items Lb24 and Lb25. The Rifax name is inferred from the ''katakana'' リファックス. </REF> Both lenses are attributed to [[Condor Camera|Motodori]] and said to have three elements. However the Rifax is mentioned as having four elements in contemporary advertisements for the [[Zeitax|Zeitax II and III]].<REF> [http://syasinsyuu.cool.ne.jp/camera/syasinki22.jpg Advertisement] dated September 1942 reproduced in the [http://kyoto.cool.ne.jp/syasinsyuu/index.htm Gochamaze website], and advertisement dated February 1943 reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.73. </REF> |
| − | Three surviving examples have been observed.<REF> Example pictured in {{Sugiyama}}, item 1207, example pictured in this page and example sold in an online auction. </REF> They all have a 7.5cm f/3.5 lens engraved ''KKS Anastigmat MULBER.'' One example has a Mulber-Rapid shutter giving B, | + | Three surviving examples have been observed.<REF> Example pictured in {{Sugiyama}}, item 1207, example pictured in this page and example sold in an online auction. </REF> They all have a 7.5cm f/3.5 lens engraved ''KKS Anastigmat MULBER.'' One example has a Mulber-Rapid shutter giving B, 1–300 speeds. The shutter is as follows: |
| − | * '' | + | * ''MULBER–RAPID'' engraving at the bottom, B, 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, 300 speeds (top speed barely legible);<REF> {{Sugiyama}}, item 1207. {{McKeown}}, p.341, repeats the same information, obviously after Sugiyama. </REF> |
| − | * '' | + | * ''MULBER–RAPID'' engraving at the bottom, speeds down to 1s and B, unknown top speed;<REF> Example offered for sale by a dealer. </REF> |
* unknown engraving at the bottom, B, 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 250, 500 speeds (top speed barely legible).<REF> Example sold in an online auction. </REF> | * unknown engraving at the bottom, B, 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 250, 500 speeds (top speed barely legible).<REF> Example sold in an online auction. </REF> | ||
| Line 41: | Line 41: | ||
* {{Showa10}} Items 261. | * {{Showa10}} Items 261. | ||
* {{Kakaku1141}} Type 3, sections 4A and 7B. | * {{Kakaku1141}} Type 3, sections 4A and 7B. | ||
| − | * {{Inquiry1943}} Items | + | * {{Inquiry1943}} Items 23–4. |
* {{Kakaku0141}} Type 3, section 4A. | * {{Kakaku0141}} Type 3, section 4A. | ||
| − | * {{McKeown12}} P. | + | * {{McKeown12}} P.701. |
| − | * {{Zukan}} Items | + | * {{Zukan}} Items 1207–8. |
[[Category: Japanese 4.5x6 viewfinder folding|Mulber, Semi]] | [[Category: Japanese 4.5x6 viewfinder folding|Mulber, Semi]] | ||
Revision as of 21:36, 1 March 2008
The Semi Mulber (セミマルバ) is a Japanese 4.5×6 folding camera, distributed from 1939 by Kuwata Shōkai.[1] Two very different models are known: the first is a copy of the Ikonta A made of pressed steel and having a folding optical finder, whereas the other has a different die-cast body with a reversed configuration and dual finders. It seems that at least the second model was made by Motodori.[2]
Contents
Ikonta copy, folding finder
Description
The first model[3] has a body and folding struts copied on the 4.5×6 Ikonta. It is probably made of pressed steel. The folding optical finder is placed to the left as seen by a photographer holding the camera vertically. The advance key is on the opposite side of the body. The body release is placed to the left of the finder. Something is engraved on the folding struts, perhaps KKS.
Advertisements and actual examples
The first model was advertised in June 1939 in two versions:[4]
- Lausar 75/4.5 lens, Mulber SR shutter (T, B, 1–300, self-timer), ¥85;
- Mulber 75/4.5 lens, Mulber shutter (T, B, 1–300), ¥75.
In a later advertisement dated September 1939,[5] a cheaper version was added:
- Mulber 75/4.5 lens, Perfect shutter by Neumann & Heilemann (T, B, 5–150), ¥65.
The Semi Mulber was listed for ¥74 in the official price list compiled in October 1940 and published in January 1941, but no detail was given.[6] In a similar list dated November 1941, two versions were mentioned, called "Semi Mulber" and "Semi Mulber II", both attributed to Kuwata.[7]
Only one actual example of this model has been observed so far, pictured in Sugiyama. The lens is reported as a Mulber Anastigmat 75/4.5 and the shutter as a KKS giving T, B, 5–200 speeds.[8] The name Mulber is embossed in the front leather whereas the advertising pictures show the embossing SEMI Mulber.
Reversed model, dual finders
Description
Semi Mulber, dual finder, Mulber-Rapid shutter, KKS Anastigmat Mulber lens.
Picture courtesy of Pacific Rim Camera. (Image rights)
The second model[9] has a different die-cast body with different folding struts. The configuration is reversed, with a small housing placed to the right (as seen by a photographer holding the camera vertically) and containing a brilliant finder and a direct vision finder placed side by side. The exact same part has been observed on a Star Semi and on an Oko Semi.[10] The advance knob is on the left of the finder and the body release is on the right. The name Mulber is embossed in the front leather but the font differs from the previous embossing. There is an engraving in the folding struts, perhaps reading TK.
Documents and actual examples
No advertisement for this model has been observed so far. The government inquiry compiled in April 1943 mentions a Semi Mulber and a Semi Mulber II, made by Motodori and distributed by Kuwata. These cameras are registered as made of alloy and they probably correspond to the second model with die-cast construction. Both versions have a Patent Mars shutter made by Mars and giving T, B, 1–250 speeds.[11] The Semi Mulber 75/3.5 has a Rifax 75/3.5 lens and the Semi Mulber II has a Mulber 75/3.5.[12] Both lenses are attributed to Motodori and said to have three elements. However the Rifax is mentioned as having four elements in contemporary advertisements for the Zeitax II and III.[13]
Three surviving examples have been observed.[14] They all have a 7.5cm f/3.5 lens engraved KKS Anastigmat MULBER. One example has a Mulber-Rapid shutter giving B, 1–300 speeds. The shutter is as follows:
- MULBER–RAPID engraving at the bottom, B, 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, 300 speeds (top speed barely legible);[15]
- MULBER–RAPID engraving at the bottom, speeds down to 1s and B, unknown top speed;[16]
- unknown engraving at the bottom, B, 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 250, 500 speeds (top speed barely legible).[17]
Notes
- ↑ Date: Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.341.
- ↑ The camera is attributed to "Mulber Camera Co." or "Mulber Camera Works" in Sugiyama, items 1207–8 and McKeown, p.701, but these were probably dummy names, only used for advertising, and were certainly not the name of any actual company (see Camera Works).
- ↑ This model is called "Mulber Semi (1939)" in McKeown, p.701.
- ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.95.
- ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.96.
- ↑ "Kokusan shashinki no kōtei kakaku", type 3, section 4A.
- ↑ "Kamera no kōtei kakaku kanpō happyō", November 1941, type 3, sections 4A and 7B.
- ↑ Sugiyama, item 1208. The reported 1/500 top speed is contradicted by the picture. The same lens and shutter combination is reported in McKeown, p.701, obviously after Sugiyama.
- ↑ This model is called "Mulber Semi (1940)" in McKeown, p.701.
- ↑ Star Semi: example pictured in Sugiyama, item 1246. The same source says about the item 1207 that the Semi Mulber is a die-cast version of the Star Semi but the only common part visible is the dual-finder assembly. Oko Semi: example pictured in McKeown, p.746.
- ↑ "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" ("Inquiry into Japanese cameras"), shutter item 18-U-12.
- ↑ "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" ("Inquiry into Japanese cameras"), lens items Lb24 and Lb25. The Rifax name is inferred from the katakana リファックス.
- ↑ Advertisement dated September 1942 reproduced in the Gochamaze website, and advertisement dated February 1943 reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.73.
- ↑ Example pictured in Sugiyama, item 1207, example pictured in this page and example sold in an online auction.
- ↑ Sugiyama, item 1207. McKeown, p.341, repeats the same information, obviously after Sugiyama.
- ↑ Example offered for sale by a dealer.
- ↑ Example sold in an online auction.
Bibliography
- Asahi Camera (アサヒカメラ) editorial staff. Shōwa 10–40nen kōkoku ni miru kokusan kamera no rekishi (昭和10–40年広告にみる国産カメラの歴史, Japanese camera history as seen in advertisements, 1935–1965). Tokyo: Asahi Shinbunsha, 1994. ISBN 4-02-330312-7. Items 261.
- "Kamera no kōtei kakaku kanpō happyō" (カメラの公定価格官報発表, Official announcement of the set prices of the cameras), November 1941. Extract of a table listing Japanese camera production and setting the retail prices, reproduced in "Bebī Semi Fāsuto 'Kore ha bebī wo nanotta semi-ki da'" (ベビーセミファースト"これはベビーを名乗ったセミ機だ", Baby Semi First, 'this is a Semi camera called Baby'), an article by Furukawa Yasuo (古川保男) in Camera Collectors' News no. 277 (July 2000). Nishinomiya: Camera Collectors News-sha. P. 27. Type 3, sections 4A and 7B.
- "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" (国産写真機ノ現状調査, Inquiry into Japanese cameras), listing Japanese camera production as of April 1943. Reproduced in Supuringu kamera de ikou: Zen 69 kishu no shōkai to tsukaikata (スプリングカメラでいこう: 全69機種の紹介と使い方, Let's try spring cameras: Presentation and use of 69 machines). Tokyo: Shashinkogyo Syuppan-sha, 2004. ISBN 4-87956-072-3. Pp.180–7. Items 23–4.
- "Kokusan shashinki no kōtei kakaku" (国産写真機の公定価格, Set prices of the Japanese cameras), listing Japanese camera production as of October 25, 1940 and setting the retail prices from December 10, 1940. Published in Asahi Camera January 1941 and reproduced in Shōwa 10—40nen kōkoku ni miru kokusan kamera no rekishi (昭和10〜40年広告にみる国産カメラの歴史, Japanese camera history as seen in advertisements, 1935—1965). Tokyo: Asahi Shinbunsha, 1994. ISBN 4-02-330312-7. Pp.108—9. Type 3, section 4A.
- McKeown, James M. and Joan C. McKeown's Price Guide to Antique and Classic Cameras, 12th Edition, 2005-2006. USA, Centennial Photo Service, 2004. ISBN 0-931838-40-1 (hardcover). ISBN 0-931838-41-X (softcover). P.701.
- Sugiyama, Kōichi (杉山浩一); Naoi, Hiroaki (直井浩明); Bullock, John R. The Collector's Guide to Japanese Cameras. 国産カメラ図鑑 (Kokusan kamera zukan). Tokyo: Asahi Sonorama, 1985. ISBN 4-257-03187-5. Items 1207–8.
